Gillian Godden – Gold Digger

‘Gold Digger’ by Gillian Godden is a gritty and dark story about how far one woman will go to fight for her survival. Gillian Godden is one author whose books I have bought and they are resting on my to be read pile. I think I need to move them up the pile as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Money talks… And blonde bombshell Julie isn’t afraid to ask for what she wants. With her mother locked up for murder, all Julie cares about is protecting her younger sister, Frankie. But penniless and alone on the streets of Liverpool, Julie realises that there’s only one sure-fire way to make cash fast – the oldest trade.

The men mean nothing to Julie until she meets Ralph Goldstein, an ex-con who’ll do whatever it takes to make his way to the top. And the only man Julie can trust.
Separately, Ralph and Julie’s lives are filled with risk and danger. But when they meet, their blend of personality and ambition could be the best thing that ever happened … or the worst.

A gangland thriller is one of my (many) favourite genres so I was hoping Gold Digger would hold up to my expectations. I found it a thrilling read that I could not put down from the very start.

We are introduced to Julie and Ralph, two very different people who are living their lives and surviving by doing whatever they need to. The story is told by each of their narratives, which I really liked as we find out about them individually and get their perspectives on everything. I find you get to know the characters a lot better that way.

As the story unfolds and Julie and Ralph worlds collide, they find out that they have more in common than first appearances seem to show. Even the fact that not one, but both, are keeping secrets is something they share. Gillian Godden slowly allows us to get to know both of these characters as we discover how their backstories have made them the people they are as they meet. I found these two characters extremely intriguing and along with the storyline that is overflowing with drama, tension and suspense as well had me so immersed, I managed to read it in a day. I am really looking forward to book two now!

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my copy of the book.